AN AUDIT OF HOMICIDAL DEATHS CAUSED BY FIRE-ARMS AN AUTOPSY STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To study the Autopsis of Homocidal deaths by fire-arm injuries.
Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine and toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar from Janury 2011 to December 2011. Data collected included all reported homicidal deaths by fire-arm in District Peshawar on which autopsy was carried out.
Results: During the year 2011, total number of autopsies conducted was 1043. Homicidal deaths due to fire-arm were 747(71.62%). The weapon of assault in majority of cases was rifled firearm (Kalashnikov, pistol, revolver). The most vulnerable group belonged to third decade of life (35.08%) while the least affected were the extreme of ages (3.36%). Males were the main target as compared to females in the ratio of 6.39:1. The ratio of urban and rural arias was 1:1.72
Conclusions: Firearm has come out to be the most commonly used weapon for homicide in Peshawar which highlights the issue of its easy access and unchecked use as a matter of tradition to settle the disputes by Pakhtun population.